Is Stress Contagious?
Stress is catching: a phenomenon
As I train to become a counsellor, I’ve stumbled upon a fascinating concept: stress can actually be contagious.
Just like how a room full of people with periods can eventually sync their cycles, stress can spread from one person to another without us even realising it.
Think about it: our bodies are already communicating with each other in ways we don’t fully understand.
This syncing phenomenon among people who menstruate is a clear sign that our bodies are capable of subtle, almost invisible interactions.
Similarly, stress can be passed on through these unseen connections.
Sciency stress stuff
Research has shown that just by observing someone else who is stressed, your cortisol levels—the hormone associated with stress—can rise by 26%.
That’s a significant jump, simply from being around someone who’s feeling stressed.
You might think, "Well, of course, if I see someone stressed, I’ll feel on edge too," but the process is much deeper than just a conscious reaction.
In fact, stress hormones can quite literally leak out of our bodies and influence the people around us without anyone being aware of it.
This realisation can feel a bit overwhelming—after all, stress is already something we know is harmful to our health, and now it seems like we have to worry about catching it from others as well.
Bubbles and Body Scans
So, what can we do to protect ourselves from this contagious stress?
One effective method is to incorporate a mental body scan into your daily routine.
Studies have shown that people unconsciously adopt stressful body positions when they pick up on others' stress.
By regularly scanning your body for tension, you can identify and release it.
Are your shoulders hunched?
Is your jaw clenched?
Take a moment to stand up straight, relax your muscles, and let go of that tightness, from the top of your head to the tips of your toes.
Another powerful technique is a visualisation exercise.
If you find yourself in a stressful environment, surrounded by anxious people, try imagining a protective bubble around you.
Visualize the stress as lines trying to reach you but bouncing off your bubble instead.
It may sound a bit unusual, but it’s a simple and private way to shield yourself from the stress around you.
What works for you?
Have you ever noticed yourself feeling stressed in a room full of stressed people, even when you had no reason to be?
How do you cope with it?
I'd love to hear your thoughts and tips!
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